Laser tattoo removal works by delivering short pulses of laser energy, using a specific wavelength that is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink (selective thermolysis). Ink deposits in the skin dermis absorb this high energy converting it to heat. This energy shatters ink particles into smaller pieces causing a highly specific burn only in the skin containing ink. As the skin heals your immune system removes ink and flushes it out of your body via the lymphatic system over the coming weeks and months.
Yes, laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective method for removing tattoos. At SW Laser, we use advanced technology and follow strict safety protocols to ensure your comfort and minimise potential risks.
The number of sessions required depends on various factors. On average, most tattoos require 2 to 4 sessions for a lighten to cover and 8 to 10 sessions for removal.
Every person is different. Factors affecting , including the size, colour, ink density and complexity, location and age of the tattoo plus person-specific factors such as skin type and general health.
We always provide you with a realistic and honest estimate of sessions and timeframe for your first session.
We get asked if laser removal is painful. The laser can cause discomfort, it is similar to an ‘elastic band’ flicking the skin.
At SW Laser, our team takes measures to minimise any discomfort by using a highly-effective numbing cream and cooling techniques during the procedure. We use a top of the range cooling machine and perform the procedure extremely fast. Often the procedure only takes a few minutes of your time. This all makes for a more comfortable experience. Our trained staff are sensitive to the apprehension clients may have, and they take pain management seriously.
Temporary side effects may include redness, swelling, blistering, or slight changes in skin pigmentation. These effects typically subside within a few weeks. Our experienced team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help minimise any potential side effects.
We recommend you arrive at your session healthy and well. If you are on antibiotics in the first place it means you are receiving medical treatment! We recommend you let us know if you have started a course and generally need at least a week from your last dose before your next session. Some medications require a longer period off before it is safe to laser. Roaccutane is the most common culprit and requires at least 3-6 months of cessation before you are safe to return.
Keep us well informed and our team can advise you. Communicating your health with our dedicated team will get you the best and safest results.
Both technologies (Q-switch and PICO) are highly effective for the most common tattoo ink colours black and red. Since PICO is able to use a different wavelength of light (755nm) it can be effective for inks that do not respond to Q-switch and covers a wider range of colours; especially tattoos containing blue, greens and purples. There is evidence PICO can be more effective in removing many darker tattoo pigments, however, in our experience, it is highly dependent on ink composition, density and individual response. We may recommend switching between the two technologies depending on treatment progress. Our staff are trained to understand the use and limitations of both technologies so we can give you the information you need.
The majority of tattoo colours can be removed with Q-switch and PICO technology used in the right circumstances. Q-switch Lasers operate wavelengths of light that specifically target black and red pigment. PICO can be used for a wider range of colours, especially blues and greens. There are some colours that do not respond to laser. Lighter colours e.g. yellow and white ink are more difficult to remove. White ink cannot be removed. Occasionally they may darken to a ‘greyish’ colour. Some ink colours, especially bright vibrant ink compounds can darken with laser treatment. Our staff will ‘test-patch’ a colour that may react in this way to minimise this risk.
In most cases, laser tattoo removal does not leave a scar. Scar-tissue formation is rare and normally the result of disturbed skin during early healing immediately following a session. In fact, it is the tattooing process that is more likely to cause scar tissue. Treatments can actually improve the texture of the skin at the end of the treatment.
Disturbing blisters during healing can lead to scar-tissue formation. This is why we promote protecting the skin early. Some individuals are more prone to scarring (Keloid scarring), however, this is rare. We will perform a skin check and screen your general health during your initial consultation. If you follow our aftercare advice scarring is very unlikely to happen.
In many cases, once the tattoo removal process is complete, you can have a new tattoo over the treated area. We work closely with the tattoo community and can refer you to skilled tattoo artists who specialise in cover-up work. We are passionate about tattoos, experts in removal!
In a word… NO!
Injectable solutions to remove a tattoo will only cause trauma and damage to the skin. We have had countless clients come to us with permanently damaged skin from injectable removal practices.
Topical creams are just that, topical. A tattoo sits far too deep in the skin for a tattoo removal cream to have any impact.
IPL lasers are designed to remove hair follicles, not tattoo pigments. IPL machines use a
broad spectrum of light. This means IPL machines are more likely to damage surrounding skin tissue, remove melanin and can penetrate deeper into the skin. Whilst IPL machines are safe and effective for targeting hair follicles we do not recommend it for
tattoo removal.
By far, the most damage we see is on clients who have been lasered with a class 2 or class 3 Q Switch or Pico laser. Western Australia has strict laser regulations which require a medical practitioner (doctor) to hold a license to supervise the use of a class 4 laser which is more powerful. To get around this some clinics are buying inferior class 2 or 3 lasers which are cheap to buy and can be operated without the correct training or medical supervision. These machines cannot generate the required energy to remove tattoo ink safely. Clinics using this technology permanently damage skin attempting to remove tattoos. It can also make future tattoo removal by us far more challenging.
- Keep it out of the sun completely for at two weeks before your 1st session and moisturise your skin with a good quality vitamin E cream.
- Keep healthy, hydrate, eat nutritiously and exercise. Remember the healthier your immune system the better the results.
- Remove makeup and fake tan, shave the area and avoid applying beauty products immediately before your session.
- Read our preparation guidelines and apply numbing cream 90 minutes before. We can help you choose a product and advise how to apply it.
Your skin will mirror the appearance of sunburn. Initially it will ‘frost’ (turn white) as the ink reacts with the laser. This can last for 20 minutes but often fades immediately. Your skin may redden, much like a sunburn and over the next 24 hours crusts, scabs, bruising and swelling may appear. Occasionally small blisters may occur. We will give you detailed aftercare guidance and support to care for your healing skin.
Generally light exercise such as walking is fine. Any exercise that raises your body temperature and encourages heat into your tattoo removal site should be avoided for the first 48 hours. After 72 hours most clients are able to return to heavier exercise (weight training) and swimming. As long as the tattoo removal site is covered and protected with a dressing e.g. Fixomull. If you excessively swell or blister you may need to take a little longer to recover and it depends on how your skin reacts. See our aftercare guidelines or speak to our team for more information and guidance.
Healing time can vary tremendously depending on your response. Surface skin healing can take a few days or last a few weeks. The healing skin underneath takes up to 6 weeks and is why we space our sessions at a minimum of 6-8 weeks initially.
Early signs
Immediately after tattoo removal, a tattoo may appear darker due to bruising. However, once the full healing has occurred the ink will appear lighter. Shading drops out first and can remove after only 1-2 sessions. Thicker line work or dense ink deposits take longer. Often the first signs are ink dulling or starting to turn a brown colour. Ink progressively drops out over months. Only with time can we truly judge fading.
Mid-way point
Tattoo ink doesn’t drop out evenly. During the mid-section of your removal your tattoo may appear patchy and uneven, some areas may drop out faster than others.
Latter stages
In the latter stages of tattoo removal, the tattoo may appear like a light shadow of ink similar to veins that sit underneath your skin.
SW Laser gift cards are a perfect way to treat your loved ones to the gift of laser tattoo removal. Simply purchase a gift card of your preferred value and present it to the recipient. They can then redeem the gift card towards any laser tattoo removal service at SW Laser.